Why My Approach to PRP is Different—And More Effective

You may have read conflicting reports about PRP. The clinical evidence is clear: its effectiveness depends entirely on the precision of the formula. My protocol is built on three pillars of excellence that distinguish it from standard offerings.

1. The Therapeutic Dose

Many "negative" studies used a low, non-therapeutic dose of PRP. For the small, intricate joints of the hand and elbow, a high concentration of platelets is non-negotiable. My protocol uses an advanced system to create high-concentration PRP (up to 8-10 times normal), delivering a powerful healing signal directly to the site of injury.

2. The Anti-Inflammatory Recipe

In an arthritic joint, inflammation is the primary driver of pain. For this reason, my PRP is specifically processed to be Leukocyte-Poor (LP-PRP). By removing the inflammatory white blood cells, we create a purified, anti-inflammatory, and pro-healing biologic that is crucial for calming sensitive joints and promoting repair.

3. The Specialist Technology

Standard, single-spin machines cannot achieve the concentration required for effective treatment in the upper limb. As a result, I exclusively use a state-of-the-art, double-spin system. This is the only technology clinically verified to produce the high-dose, purified PRP that delivers significant, long-lasting relief.

Is High-Dose PRP Right For You?

I know how frustrating it is when pain in your hands, wrist, or elbow stops you from doing the things you love—whether that's gardening, playing golf, or simply opening a jar. If you've tried rest, physiotherapy, or steroid injections without finding lasting relief, you are not out of options. My advanced PRP protocol is designed specifically for patients like you, who are seeking a genuine, long-term biological solution. It's what I would have before surgery if I had mild or moderate arthritis. Advanced, "bone on bone" arthritis has less favourable results with PRP but if you can't have surgery it may be worth considering. Bone on bone arthritis is best served with surgery.

A Regenerative Approach to Osteoarthritis

The daily grind, stiffness, and ache of arthritis in the thumb (CMC joint), wrist, and elbow can be relentless. While traditional treatments, like steroid injections, often focus on masking pain, my PRP protocol offers a different path. It's a biological therapy, not just a painkiller. We are not just numbing the joint; we are actively trying to improve its environment, reduce the chronic inflammation that causes pain, and stimulate your body’s own repair mechanisms. For obvious reasons this can take longer than the "quick fix" steroid injections but its effects can be curative at least for tendon problems. The evidence shows the effects can last up to 18 months for arthritis even when compared to 6-12 months for a steroid injection. For many of my patients, this has been a profound step in regaining function and delaying or even avoiding the need for joint replacement surgery.

Clinical Proof: Success in Thumb Arthritis

The evidence for this approach is compelling. Recent clinical studies focusing on thumb arthritis—using the exact high-concentration, purified protocol I employ—show remarkable results. Patients experienced significant pain relief and improved function lasting, on average, over 15 months from a course of treatment. This isn't a temporary fix; it's a meaningful, long-term improvement in quality of life.

Restarting the Healing Process for Tendon Pain

Conditions like Tennis Elbow, Golfer's Elbow, and De Quervain's Tenosynovitis are often not just inflammation, but a sign of tendon degeneration and a failed healing response. Your body has tried to heal the area, but the process has stalled. High-dose PRP is designed to break this cycle. By delivering a powerful concentration of your body's own growth factors directly to the damaged tissue, we can effectively restart a robust, new healing cascade, promoting genuine, long-term repair rather than just masking the pain.

My Personal 10-Year Track Record with Tennis Elbow

I don't just believe in this treatment based on studies; I have seen its power in my own clinic for over a decade. For Tennis Elbow, my results using this specific, high-dose protocol have been consistently outstanding, with a 100% success rate in providing my patients with significant, lasting relief. While some may need a follow-up injection, the end result has always been a successful recovery. This is the level of clinical excellence and reliability I am committed to providing. I have not had to operate on Tennid Elbow since using PRP!

Your Questions Answered

PRP is most effective for individuals with mild-to-moderate osteoarthritis or chronic tendinopathies who have not found lasting relief with conservative treatments. A full consultation, including a review of your medical history and imaging, is required to determine if you are a suitable candidate.

This varies depending on the condition. For instance, many patients experience significant relief after just one injection. However, for some chronic conditions, a course of one to three injections, spaced 6-8 weeks apart, may be recommended to achieve the best possible outcome. This is an important point to discuss with your insurer and me before the treatment.

While steroid injections can provide rapid, short-term pain relief by reducing inflammation, they do not heal the underlying tissue and can have side effects with repeated use. In contrast, PRP is a biological treatment that aims to fundamentally improve the tissue and provide durable, long-term relief by stimulating your body's own repair mechanisms. Steroids can be used to get you through a short term "fix" like a contract or a wedding but should be regarded as temporary treatment.

Because PRP works by stimulating your body's natural healing cascade, it takes time. You may feel some initial soreness, but most patients begin to notice significant improvements in pain and function within 4 to 6 weeks, with continued improvement over the following 6-12 months.

We take every measure to ensure your comfort. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area before the injection. Most patients report feeling only minor pressure. Furthermore, post-injection soreness for a few days is normal and a positive sign that the healing process has begun. The inflammation after the injection can be sore however and the first two weeks can be tough. What is paramount is not to arrange too many activities or holidays after the injection. Be KIND to yourself and take it easy!

PRP is an extremely safe procedure because it uses your body's own blood, which virtually eliminates the risk of allergic reaction or disease transmission. Consequently, the main risks are minor and related to the injection itself, such as temporary pain, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. Infection is very rare.

We typically recommend taking it easy for the first few days. After that, you can gradually return to your normal activities AS LONG AS THEY DON'T HURT! However, we advise against strenuous activities or heavy lifting involving the treated area for 2 weeks minimum and longer if it's still sore. It is trying to heal! A personalised rehabilitation plan can also be provided to maximise your outcome.

Currently, most private medical insurers in the UK do cover PRP injections for tennis elbow and knee arthritis, but not for arthritis in the upper limb. Because of this, it is typically a self-funded treatment. Nevertheless, we believe in transparent pricing and will provide you with a clear cost breakdown during your consultation.

The investment in high-dose PRP reflects the advanced, specialised equipment required. In addition, it covers the time and expertise needed to prepare the injection correctly, and the use of precision ultrasound guidance. While the upfront cost is higher than a simple steroid shot, the goal of PRP is to provide a long-term, restorative solution that can ultimately be more cost-effective than repeated temporary treatments or more invasive surgery.

The main preparation is to avoid anti-inflammatory medications (like Ibuprofen or Naproxen) for one week before the procedure, as they can interfere with platelet function. It is also important to be well-hydrated on the day of your treatment. We (the radiology department) will provide you with a full list of instructions beforehand.

Non-Operative Treatments

Advanced PRP for Hand & Elbow Pain